Monday, May 6, 2013

It Happened at the Fair by Deeanne Gist - REVIEWED


About the Book:  

A transporting historical novel about a promising young inventor, his struggle with loss, and the attractive teacher who changes his life, all set against the razzle-dazzle of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.
Gambling everything, including the family farm, Cullen McNamara travels to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with his most recent invention. But the noise in the Fair's Machinery Palace makes it impossible to communicate with potential buyers. In an act of desperation, he hires Della Wentworth, a teacher of the deaf, to tutor him in the art of lip-reading.
The young teacher is reluctant to participate, and Cullen has trouble keeping his mind on his lessons while intently watching her lips. Like the newly invented Ferris Wheel, he is caught in a whirl between his girl back home, his dreams as an inventor, and his unexpected attraction to his new tutor. Can he keep his feet on the ground, or will he be carried away?

Purchase copy HERE!

My Thoughts:
Cullen McNamara and Della Wentworth have very different reasons for attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893.  Cullen’s father has risked essentially everything to give his son the opportunity to realize his dream – a  dream Cullen doesn’t really have the courage to pursue.  Della is representing a group of deaf children and the school that is trying to teach them the skill of lip-reading so they may lead a “normal” life.  Neither Cullen or Della realize that they possess something of unique value – for themselves or for each other.  Their road to discovery is fascinating!!

Deeanne Gist writes a historical romance like none other.  If you want to really feel like you visited the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, then her novel will take you there!  You will experience this adventure through the lens of Cullen – a very unsure-of-himself albeit brilliant inventor.  You’ll also see the wonder of the fair through Della’s eyes as well.  She doesn’t know quite what to make of the farmer from North Carolina!  Their experiences are captivating in every sense of the word, and you will literally lose track of time when you begin reading this novel.

Gist doesn’t allow her characters to travel their paths void of obstacles or challenges! Both Dell and Cullen have plenty of both! At one point, you will weep over some of their experiences!  Your tears will give you insight and perspective about the time period and the sacrifices that were made to bring us into the 21st century a little safer!  

Oh, and as the story progresses, hang onto your heart! It will surly gallop in unexpected and delightful directions!  I adored this novel, and I think you will too! Make the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair the first stop on your Summer Reading list!

About the Author:
Deeanne Gist---known to her family, friends, and fans as Dee---has rocketed up bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very fun, very original historicals. She has received numerous RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, and rave reviews. Deeanne has a background in education and journalism and a degree from Texas A&M. She has written for People, Parents, and Parenting. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and has four grown children. She has a very active online community on her website atIWantHerBook.com and atFacebook.com/DeesFriends. 

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